Plan the ultimate festive party

The weather is warming up and the holiday season is almost upon us. Christmas – and all the end-of-year unforgettable parties – has snuck up on us again, meaning we now have a pretty tight turnaround to organise the traditional festive function, be it for friends, family, or work, writes Jessica Kramer

In the career sector, a Christmas party is an opportunity for employers to show their appreciation to their staff for a year of hard work. For employees, it’s an opportunity to overindulge, mingle with staff outside of their direct team and celebrate their work achievements. For friends and family, it’s a chance to show your appreciation for the relationships that got you through the year and just have some fun or relaxation.

To get your successful end-of-year bash together smoothly and in good time, follow these simple steps to planning an unforgettable party.

Style or theme

The number of guests and the budget will usually determine the style of your event. Cocktail parties, lunches and dinners are popular options, but have you considered doing something different this year?

Like a cheese and wine pairing night, a Christmas high tea party, a whole porchetta banquet or a casual barbecue?

Make sure the style suits your guests and their preferences to ensure they have a good time; after all, it is an event for everyone to enjoy.

Adding a theme to your Christmas party based on a colour or fancy dress idea is a great idea to get your guests in the spirit of Christmas.

Start with the table decor and lighting and if your budget permits, create an Instagramworthy photo backdrop that will beg your guests to stop and snap a pic!

Venue

The next item you want to cross off your list is where to host your event, and what guest capacity the venue has – both normally and on the occasion that Covid restrictions unexpectedly come into effect.

For convenience, it’s a good idea to select a venue that is close to your office or home, especially if you’re self-catering.

Private venues will ensure the best possible Christmas party experience, where the attention of service will be solely on your guests. This lets you and your guests let your hair down and really enjoy yourselves. Alternatively, there are many parks in Toowoomba which are perfect for a party. You can be casual with a picnicstyle event or ramp it up by taking pop-up gazebos and tables.

Then, of course, there is always your own backyard.

Regardless of whether you have an undercover seating area or just a grassed yard, hosting parties at home are easier since you can just bring food from kitchen to outside. No lugging eskies required.

Seating

This goes hand-in-hand with the venue.

If you are hosting your event at a park, keep in mind what seating is already available, and if it caters for social distancing.

Make sure you consider other options in case all the seats are already taken by the time you arrive to set up. Asking guests to bring their own camp chairs is always a good option for park-based parties and even ones in your own home.

Food

Delicious food and drink is the key ingredient to any Christmas party!

Whether you’re planning a cocktail party with canapes, a long lunch, decadent dinner or sharing style menu, selecting a venue that is renowned for their food offerings will reflect well on your brand and ensure your

guests are well fed and watered.

If you’re self-catering at home or out-andabout, plan your menu early and make as much in advance as you can to avoid stress on the day.

This is particularly important if you are hosting a larger event or have more than a handful of guests.

If having your event away from home, keep in mind options for keeping food cool or hot as required.

There are many cookbooks available with ideas on picnic-suitable food that is more fancy than watermelon and cheerios.

Don’t forget to cater for any allergies or food intolerances when planning your menu.

Entertainment

Depending on how big and/or formal your party is will dictate what entertainment you provide.

If it’s a casual family get-together, bring along a bluetooth speaker and curate the ultimate playlist or maybe bring out some favourite board games.

If you’ve been entrusted with planning the office Christmas party and the budget allows, think a live musician or DJ.

Whatever you decide, adding an element of fun to your end-of-year Christmas party will ensure your guests let their hair down and stick around to the end.

There are many parks in Toowoomba which are perfect for a party

Clothing

Last, but certainly not least, is what you wear on the day. Planning your outfit in advance is a great idea so you can focus on last-minute preparations on the day.

Finally, relax and enjoy your time with guests.